Cancer survivor, inspiration for others

April 30, 2006|BRANDY KORMAN Tribune Staff Writer

The American Cancer Society will honor cancer survivor Greg Dale, of South Bend, at the Night of the Stars event on August 11, with its annual Inspiration Award for offering hope to other cancer patients and survivors. "At this event we honor three individuals with the Hope, Dedication, and Inspiration Awards," said Rachelle Back, area executive director of the American Cancer Society. "The Inspiration Award is presented to a cancer survivor who has taken a leadership role in the fight against cancer and serves as an inspiration to everyone fighting the disease." Dale was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2004 and has proven to be a true inspiration to others fighting the battle by overcoming his cancer. "A little over two years ago I had symptoms of a problem and went to my physician. He immediately recommended further testing and I discovered I had bladder cancer," said Dale. "Mark Toth here at Memorial Hospital did the diagnosis and the surgery in March of 2004." Toth continued to watch Dale closely for the next year, upon which he found more abnormal cell development. After further diagnosis, Toth recommended that Dale go to the next level cancer specialist at the University of Chicago. "My wife Cathy and I traveled to University of Chicago and met with Dr. Gary Steinberg. After further testing, he discovered in October that I had cancer in my left kidney and my bladder was again in bad shape," said Dale. "I had surgery to remove my left kidney, my bladder, and my prostate. I was in the hospital for a week and at home recovering for two more weeks," said Dale. Steinberg, who is the head of neurological surgery at the University of Chicago, pioneered Dale's surgery in making a replacement bladder. "He took a small a section of my small intestine and made a new bladder for me so that I do not have to use an artificial means," said Dale. Now a little over two years after Dale's battle with cancer, he is enthusiastic about the future, not hesitating to make jokes and enjoy life. "I think the Inspiration Award has something to do with being the most grumpy and ornery guy," he said with a laugh. Dale owns The Frame Factory at the intersection of Indiana 23 and Ironwood Road, where he said his employees were extremely supportive during his situation. His customers would also show their support by bringing soup over to his house. "I come from an age when people used to do that," said Dale. "It's just part of the whole support network and faith, family, and friends. It really helps to be able to endure things that are happening in your life so much better." Dale, who has two children and has been married for 36 years, said that he could not have gotten by without the support of his wife. "Cathy was incredibly supportive of me and I think she should get some special kudos," said Dale. "A lot of wives wouldn't stick by their husbands after something like this." Although Dale admits that there are no guarantees in life, he is looking into the future with hope. "I don't have any further evidence of cancer," said Dale, "I just hope and pray that I won't have to go through this again."